Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum Delegates Announced

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) announces the selection of 25 up-and-coming high school students for the eighth Annual Youth Leadership Forum (YLF). This year’s forum, entitled “You Lead for You,” will be held at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha June 14-18.
The YLF delegates are selected through a competitive application and interview process. As participants in the YLF, delegates will build self-confidence and leadership skills, learn how to become more involved in their schools and communities and receive guidance in setting and pursuing their own career and higher education goals.

This year’s delegates will hear from national and state speakers, including LeDerick Horne from New Jersey. Because of a disability, Horne grew up facing daily challenges; he will be speaking to the delegates at the start of the forum. Delegates will make a trip to the Oklahoma State Capitol where they will meet with Representatives Anastasia Pittman and Ben Sherrer. Delegates will also have the opportunity to learn from professors of local universities, learning more about the principles of advocacy and leadership as well as career possibilities. Michael Beers, a successful comedian from Montana, also grew up with a disability. Beers often works with high school students and will be the closing speaker.

The 2011 YLF Class will join more than 100 highly motivated and talented young adults from previous Oklahoma YLF programs whose experiences as delegates have made a difference in their communities and their lives.  Learn more information about the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council and the Youth Leadership Forum by email at www.okddc.ok.gov (Link opens in new window) or by phoning (405) 521-4984 or statewide (800) 836-4470.

The 2011 delegates are: Carly Barnes, Hobart; Nicholas Clemmons, Oklahoma City; Easton Crow, Atoka; Holly Davis, Hooker; Breylan Delehanty, Broken Arrow; Brittany Ducre, Lawton; Taylor Dunham, Chattanooga; Brooke Haddad, Norman; Delaney Hardimon, Norman; Delbert Hedrick, Oklahoma City; Brent McKinney, Fairfax; Ciara Murphy, Oklahoma City; Katelyn Nathan, Oklahoma City; Austin Rasor, Durant; Alejandra Saldana, Moore; Keith Smith, Sapulpa; Nakia Stovall, Wynnewood; Matthew Wade, Tinker; Asher Ward, Tulsa; Zachary Wilder, Stilwell; JoEllon Williams, Duncan and Dylan Wilson, Newcastle.

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